City of Charlotte names local expert, Taiwo Jaiyeoba, as new planning director

City Manager Marcus D. Jones is pleased to announce that Taiwo “Tai” Jaiyeoba will join Team Charlotte to serve as the City’s new planning director, effective Jan. 16.

“Taiwo brings strategic and comprehensive planning experience with success in building communities through inclusion and engagement,” Jones said. “After conducting a national search we are thrilled we found the best talent right here in the Charlotte region.”

Jaiyeoba has more than 25 years of planning industry experience in the public and private sectors. Most recently, Jaiyeoba has been working for HNTB Corporation as associate vice president/regional business development leader for its Southeast Division. Prior to this role, he served as transit principal and market sector lead for HDR, Inc. and AECOM respectively in Charlotte. In addition, Jaiyeoba has served in various roles throughout his career, including executive director of planning and development in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and director of project management and director of planning in Sacramento, California. Jaiyeoba has lived in the Charlotte area since 2015.

The City’s Planning Department focuses on professional land use guidance as well as the highest level of technical and customer service to achieve safe and healthy residential neighborhoods and sustained economic growth. The team works collaboratively across all city departments, Charlotte businesses and the community.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to lead the City of Charlotte’s Planning Department and become part of such a great team,” Jaiyeoba said. “Charlotte is a vibrant and exciting city, and what an amazing time to work with the planning commission and community to help design for the future.”

Jaiyeoba earned a Master of Science degree in Urban and Regional Planning and a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography from Obafemi Awolowo University (Ife University) in Nigeria.